Italian fishermen urge boycott during self-imposed fishing ban

TRIESTE, Italy, Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Italian fishermen are calling on countrymen to boycott foreign-caught fish during a self-imposed fishing ban meant to restock waters on the Adriatic coast.

The production group Coldiretti said any fresh fish being sold in towns along the Adriatic coast were caught by foreign fishermen and asked residents not to buy the fish during the 42-day fishing ban, ANSA news agency reported.

The fishing ban began July 22 and is in effect from Trieste, on the border with Slovenia, down nearly the entire length of Italy's eastern coast to Bari.

Coldiretti expressed concern non-Italian fishing boats would rush into the area to fill the void left by the docked Italian boats.